Argentine midfielder Dario set for China return

Argentine midfielder Dario Conca is poised to return to Shanghai SIPG after an unspectacular loan spell with Brazilian giants Flamengo.

Conca's representatives dismissed speculation of a possible move to his former club Fluminense in 2018 and said the 34-year-old will travel to China later this month, reports Xinhua news agency.

The playmaker joined Flamengo on a year-long loan in January but played just three matches, having struggled to recover from a knee ligament injury.

"On Wednesday he trained with Flamengo for the last time," the Globo newspaper said, citing confirmation from Conca's agent Marcos Motta. "He already has his bags packed and will return to Shanghai SIPG on December 27."

Conca, who joined Shanghai SIPG from Fluminense in 2015, is contracted to the Chinese Super League club until December 2018.